Marcie's Mercantile wants to maintain its current dividend policy, which is a payout ratio of 35 percent. The firm does not want to increase its equity financing but is willing to maintain its current debt-equity ratio. Given these requirements, the maximum rate at which Marcie's can grow is equal to:

a. the sustainable rate of growth.b. 65 percent of the sustainable rate of growth.

c. the internal rate of growth.d. 35 percent of the internal rate of growth.65 percent of the internal rate of growth.